In the Books:
* Mockingjay: The final book ends with Katniss and Peeta escaping the Capitol and returning to District 12, which has been destroyed. Peeta, deeply affected by the Capitol's torture, struggles with PTSD and flashbacks. They are both left physically and emotionally scarred by their experiences in the Games and the rebellion.
* Epilogue (20 Years Later): The epilogue, set 20 years after the war, reveals that Peeta and Katniss are still together, have a daughter named Rue, and seem to be living a relatively peaceful life in District 12. However, it's implied that Katniss still struggles with the trauma of the war, and there's a sense of lingering unease and unresolved issues in their relationship.
Interpretations:
* Happy Ending: Some readers see the epilogue as a hopeful sign of a happy ending. Peeta and Katniss have overcome the horrors they faced and are creating a family together. Their resilience and determination to build a new life suggest a positive future.
* Bittersweet Ending: Others view the ending as bittersweet. While they're together and have a family, the scars of the Games and the rebellion are evident, suggesting that true healing may never be possible. The epilogue emphasizes Katniss's lingering anxieties, implying a persistent sense of unease.
* Unresolved Ending: Some see the ending as deliberately ambiguous, leaving room for speculation about Peeta and Katniss's future. The epilogue hints at the possibility of a happy ending, but it also acknowledges the long-lasting consequences of their experiences.
Ultimately, the interpretation is subjective. The author leaves the readers to decide what happens to Peeta and Katniss after the epilogue, allowing for a variety of perspectives on their future.
Important Note: The movie adaptation of Mockingjay Part 2 deviates significantly from the book's ending, providing a more definitive and potentially happier resolution for Peeta and Katniss.